Ken Block

Why they say you should vote for them

The candidate's own case to voters, summarized from their campaign and public statements.

• Says he is running because he "can no longer tolerate the dysfunction, waste, and warped priorities" of state government.[1]
• Proposes a "Cost of Living Relief Plan" to cut taxes, fees and surcharges built into electric, cell phone and insurance bills.[2]
• Says he would bring new leadership and transparency to the Department of Transportation after the Washington Bridge failure.[3],[1]
• Says that as an independent he would govern as a problem solver rather than a partisan.[1],[3]

Background

• Founder, Simpatico Software Systems (data analysis for government waste and fraud) · 2001–present[5],[1]
• Data analyst hired by the 2020 Trump campaign to examine voter fraud claims; reported finding no fraud that would change the outcome; author of the 2024 book "Disproven", Donald J. Trump for President · 2020[1],[4]
• Republican primary candidate for governor (lost to Allan Fung), 2014 Rhode Island gubernatorial election · 2014[1],[5]
• Founder of the Moderate Party and its 2010 nominee for governor, Moderate Party of Rhode Island · 2007–2013[1],[5]
• Advocate in the effort to eliminate the straight-party "master lever", Rhode Island ballot reform · Repealed 2013[1],[4]
• Software engineer, GTECH Corporation · 1990s[4],[5]

Education

• Bachelor's degree, computer science, Dartmouth College[5]

Where they stand

• Energy & Environment
  Proposes removing government-imposed costs from electric bills and moving needed revenue to other sources; says the state's 2030 renewable energy goal is too aggressive.[2],[3]
• Taxes
  Opposes the millionaire's tax (his campaign site says he would veto one) and says it is not a good funding source for housing; would reduce taxes and fees on cell phone service; supports a temporary suspension of the state gas tax.[2],[6],[7]
• Infrastructure
  Would suspend the truck toll program and veto tolls on passenger cars; would revamp RIDOT management and contracting.[2]
• Housing
  Proposes reviewing state land and buildings for housing, a "housing note" on legislation, and working with each municipality on its own housing plan.[2],[6]
• Health Care
  Says Medicaid, Medicare and private insurers under-reimburse Rhode Island providers compared with neighboring states and that new approaches are needed.[3]
• Education
  Says each of the state's school districts needs its own solutions rather than one statewide fix.[6]
• Abortion
  Describes himself as pro-choice; says abortion rights are already in state law and he would sign bills the General Assembly passes on reproductive health.[6],[7]
• Economy & Jobs
  Proposes a one-year fare-free trial on RIPTA buses and a ban on using credit scores to set auto insurance rates.[2]

Voting record

Ken Block has not held an office with a recorded voting record. See Background and Where they stand.

In their words